Sometimes, it seems the holidays are lost forever – online gift sales, September marketing pushes, and hectic work schedules can all make the Christmas spirit disappear. Don’t let the Grinch win! Just head to Cedarburg, one of the prettiest Christmas towns in Wisconsin. It’s a place to slow down, do some shopping and dining, enjoy small-town holiday events, and discover that old-fashioned Christmases still live on.
Cedarburg is located in eastern Wisconsin. It’s right off Interstate 43, only 20 miles from Milwaukee, but it feels a world away.
The city has a long history. It began as a mill town in the 1840s when there were woolen and grist mills along Cedar Creek.
While the mill days are long over, many of the old stone and brick buildings that were constructed in the 1800s remain. More than 200 historic buildings have been preserved, and eight are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The town has grown a lot, partly due to its proximity to Milwaukee, but it retains a small-town feel.
It’s a beautiful town in any season, but it shows off particularly well during the holidays when the downtown storefronts are decorated. A number of regional and national publications have recognized Cedarburg for its holiday beauty.
The holiday shopping experience that Cedarburg offers is hard to beat. It’s a place where you can duck into a shop and chat with the owner as holiday music plays in the background. You’ll find special and unique items for everyone on your list, and as you stroll past the downtown garland and lights with your parcels, you’ll feel like you’re in a holiday movie!
Learn more about things to see and do in Cedarburg this holiday season on the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce website. If you’re interested in exploring more of the town’s history, here are some special historic places in Wisconsin to put on your list.
If you are looking for more ways to celebrate the holiday season, you can pack up the car and hop on the road for our Christmas Lights in Wisconsin road trip. Along the way, you will stop at light displays at parks, homes, and even a resort. The trip takes about seven hours so it is best to break it up into an overnight. We recommend taking a look at our road trip packing list before you get going so you don't forget anything that you may need.
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